Castello di Fonterutoli - Siepi 2019

JAMES SUCKLING: "This is a really racy and fine Siepi with currant, black-cherry and dark-chocolate character. It’s medium-to full-bodied with very long, intense tannins that are linear and fine-textured. Really builds on the palate. Super structure. Finesse with power. Try after 2024 and onwards."

FALSTAFF: "Sattes, tiefdunkles Rubin mit violettem Schimmer. Sehr ansprechende und dichte Nase, satte Noten nach Brombeere, Heidelbeere, etwas schwarzer Trüffel, würzige Macchiakräuter, viel Cassis. Viel pralle und saftige Frucht am Gaumen, sehr präsent, Brombeere und Cassis, entfaltet sich mit feinmaschigem, fast seidigem Tannin, im Finale fester Druck und feine harzige Noten."

WEINWISSER: "Der Siepi 2019 besteht je zur Hälfte aus Sangiovese und Merlot bei satten 14,7 vol.-%. Dunkle, dichte Farbe mit bläulichen Reflexen. Satte, süsse, wuchtige Nase mit viel Merlot- Würze, noch sehr jugendlich und reduktiv. Cremig, samtig und weit gefächert, setzt sich der Siepi auf der Zunge in Szene, sehr fein und generös, mit ausgezeichnetem Zug und Spiel. Ganz festfleischig und engmaschig strukturiert, besitzt der Siepi sehr viel Toskana-Charakter und ausgezeichnete Länge mit großer Distinktion. Eine großartige Cuvée mit ausgezeichneter Balance."

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "Now on the market, the Mazzei 2019 Siepi is a special achievement and a delight to taste at the exciting conclusion of this historic retrospective spanning 26 vintages. This edition of Marchesi Mazzei's celebrated blend of Merlot and Sangiovese benefited from ideal growing conditions, with warm days and cool nights throughout the summer season. The clusters were healthy and full. The fruit is crisp and fresh, and the tannins serve to softly support the wine's generous texture and fiber. The 2019 vintage also achieves balance with a pretty assembly of dark fruit, mineral and spice aromas."

DECANTER: "This has the same owner, location and team as Concerto - the Mazzei family who founded the estate in 1435 but this is a 50/50 blend of Sangiovese and Merlot. Power and seduction straight away on the nose, this smells intensely of black cherries and blueberries. The palate is juicy and instantly mouthwatering giving an abundance of succulent red berries and a touch of herbal spice on the finish. This is excellent quality, I adore it. Smooth and silky with purity and energy. Really shines in the glass - drinking well now but will also age. The second vintage on the Place for Siepi since its debut last year."

WINE SPECTATOR: "Perfumed and elegant, this red features vibrant cherry, black currant and blackberry flavors allied to a supple texture. Offers mineral, tobacco, wild herb and spice accents that add detail, with lively acidity keeping it all defined and persistent. Harmonious, with excellent finesse and a long aftertaste. Sangiovese and Merlot. Best from 2025 through 2043."

JANCIS ROBINSON: "Lively, sinewy nose of balsamic. Very appetising and sleek-fruited. Already enjoyable. Quite a feat! Marked acidity but fun. Easier to see the Sangiovese than the Merlot, so this is a genuine representative of Tuscany and the hills it was grown in, but it still has a long way to go."